Football
ESPN staff 9y

Xherdan Shaqiri says he's ready to make Stoke City debut vs. Tottenham

Stoke new boy Xherdan Shaqiri says he is ready to make his Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday if Mark Hughes includes him in the squad.

The Swiss international completed his from Inter Milan to Stoke on Tuesday, and Shaqiri said he's eager to play for the Potters as soon as possible.

"I can't wait to play my first game here because I am feeling really fit," Shaqiri told Stoke's website before his first training session with his club.

"I have done a lot of good quality work throughout the summer with my last team so I am feeling good and strong.

"The coach will make the final decision though, but first of all I need to meet my new teammates and work with them in training.

"I am just so excited to be am really happy to be here at Stoke City, and be part of this really big family. I can't wait to play and score goals for this club."

Shaqiri also revealed that Hughes was a major factor in his club record £12 million switch.

The 23-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal to hand Hughes a significant boost, and later admitted the Welshman was key to his decision.

Shaqiri told the club's website: "It is very important for me to have the coach behind me showing great belief in me, and Mark Hughes has done that.

"He's a great guy, a great coach and somebody that I'm excited to work for.

"We have had many conversations, spoke about lots of different things and in the end, this was the move that I really wanted to make.

"It is the perfect move for me. Everything about it fits and for me, it is the perfect decision.

"I really want to show him and the rest of staff, players and supporters great football on the pitch and hopefully help move the club forward."

Shaqiri also revealed the quality of the players already in Hughes' squad helped to influence his decision.

He said: "It wanted to sign for a club with a progressive attitude and with quality already inside the building, and Stoke City has that right here.

"Stoke have some very good players at the club they are growing stronger and stronger, which is hugely important.

"I am sure that we will make a very good season together, play good football and show the supporters some really exciting times."

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